Noting that automatic fire sprinkler systems are accessible, cost-effective fire protection for homes, Florida Governor Jeb Bush signed an order declaring April 8th Florida Home Fire Sprinkler Awareness Day. In his proclamation, the Governor called fire sprinkler systems “the next generation of home fire safety” and said they also protect the safety “of our dedicated members of Florida’s fire and emergency services, who put their lives on the line for the rest of us each day.”

A well attended Tallahassee press conference to kick off Florida Home Fire Sprinkler Awareness Day was held in Florida’s Capitol on April 8th, with live fire sprinkler demonstrations helping to bring out local print, electronic and television reporters.

Organized by a coalition led by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Florida Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, and the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, the press conference featured special guest Florida State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher, and resulted in a strong turn-out by state fire service officials and representatives of the fire sprinkler industry. A trailer brought to the grounds of the Capitol by Wiginton Fire Sprinkler was used to provide dramatic fire sprinkler demonstrations, making “believers” out of the observers.

“I have been there and seen the destruction and devastation from fire. It can happen to any one of us,” said Chief Wayne Martin of the Oviedo, Florida Fire Department, and Chair of the Florida HFSC. Martin, who has lived in a sprinklered home for more than 13 years, says, “I believe that as a fire chief, I must walk the walk, and therefore set the example. The sprinklers I have lived with have always given me a sense of security. When I have to leave my family behind each day for work, travel or to someone else’s emergency, I feel my family is safe.”

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